Table 1 Classification of surgical complications

Grade I

Any deviation from the normal postoperative course without the need for pharmacological treatment or surgical, endoscopic, and radiological interventions

Allowed therapeutic regimens are the following: drugs as antiemetics, antipyretics, analgetics, diuretics, electrolytes, and physiotherapy. This grade also includes wound infections opened at the bedside

Grade II

Requiring pharmacological treatment with drugs other than such allowed for grade I complications

Blood transfusions and total parenteral nutrition are also included

Grade III

Requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiological intervention

Grade IIIa

Intervention not under general anesthesia

Grade IIIb

Intervention under general anesthesia

Grade IV

Life-threatening complication (including CNS complications)^a requiring IC/ICU management

Grade IVa

Single organ dysfunction (including dialysis)

Grade IVb

Multiorgan dysfunction

Grade V

Death of a patient